When I made the decision to come to Tech and move six hours away from my hometown, I knew it would be a difficult journey. Not just because I'm in crunch time in terms of my bachelor's degree, but because I moved right after a bad breakup with no friends or family in Lubbock. I knew a couple people from high school who came to Tech after graduation, but I'm not the kind of person to reach out to people I haven't spoken to in years because I need something.

I decided that this fresh start at a new university, a long way from San Antonio, was exactly what I needed. I wanted to branch out, meet new people, and take risks.

It was tough for me to get involved at first. I didn’t have someone to show me around or do things with me. My first couple weeks of classes were rough, but I took it upon myself to get out of my comfort zone and attend welcome week meetings and events. I wouldn't be where I am today if I hadn't.

I got involved in 3 student organizations. Two of which I now hold leadership positions in. At the first meeting for one of the organizations, they announced they would be holding elections for chair positions. The person I was before I came to Lubbock would never take a chance and run, but after some thinking, I decided to do it. I was nervous because I didn't know anyone in the organization. I had to interview with the executive board and present a speech to the members, but I followed through and was informed a week later that I won! Now not only do I have social media management experience to put on my resume, but I also met some amazing people while in the position.

In my transfer student organization, I took a leap of faith and signed up for the Transfer Leadership Connection Retreat. I was nervous about it at first and even considered backing out but ultimately decided I should go. It was one of the best decisions I’d made all year. My experience on the retreat not only taught me a lot about myself and my own leadership skills, but it also confirmed any doubts I had about applying for a job with the organization. The experience I had was close to my heart. I knew I would be hurt if I didn’t get the position, but it was worth a shot. I applied and was offered the position in February.

If the past 9 months of my life have taught me anything, it’s the importance of taking chances. I have worked so hard to build a new life for myself and do things out of my comfort zone. I can honestly say it has all paid off. I met my best friends through taking these risks. I learned more about what I want to do when I graduate and gathered some great educational experiences. I wouldn’t trade any of it for the world. Being in a new place allowed me to take chances I never would have before, and build a new life that I'm proud of. Sometimes a fresh start is exactly what you need to realize who you are and what you’re capable of.